I refuse to test fuses in case I hear a difference.
5 Likes
This will be a prospective system with a decware zen mystery amp
2 Likes
Rofl. I respect this decision.
1 Like
I’m not sure I’d add a preamp to an integrated amp with a built in volume control, but if your also considering a Decware preamp, might be worth asking on their forums.
There was interview with Deckert (I think with Steve Guttenberg) where he doesnt seem to mind people using Preamps with his his amps
Alright I’m looking for an upgrade to my DAC. Should be my last upgrade for a while. Currently rocking the Bifrost 2. My source is the Pi2AES so it can output AES, I2S (via HDMI), coax, optical, etc.
My main headphones are the ZMF Verite Closed and Hifiman HE-6 (6-screw). My main amplifier is the A&S Mogwai SE. The only solid state I’d be interested in at this stage is the Bakoon AMP-13R (I’ve demo’d it twice and loved it both times) so if I see a used one for like $4k I’m buying. Regardless, single-ended performance is my priority.
I’m mainly looking for better texture, better sound separation, and similar/better macrodynamics. Timbre and detail I’m sure would improve regardless but are a lesser priority. I tried the Rockna Wavelight with the Mogwai SE a while ago and thought it was a bit … sharp sounding. Not that it was a bad experience. It was detailed and technically impressive. But something softer than that would be nice.
Looking at around $3k budget, which apparently is poor-fi around here 
. Used or new is fine. I’ve been looking at the Aqua La Voce S3, Holo Spring 3, Lampizator Amber 3, etc.
Thanks.
3 Likes
I was in a similar situation (upgrading from BF2, pairing w/ single-ended tubes, preference for slightly smoother sound) and I ended up going with an Exogal Comet Plus. I bought mine used for <$1.3k, but at least in my setup, it benefits /a lot/ from a DDC, so call it $2k for the DAC + DDC.
Hopefully others who have heard more DACs will chime in with more suggestions (especially since you’re looking at a higher budget), but thought I’d mention what I ended up going with in a similar situation.
3 Likes
Surprised you found the rockna sharp (do you know if it was running nos mode or os mode?) but if that’s the case then I might push you toward a lampizator amber 3 or a sw1x dac ii, personally I think those are great matches for something a bit warmer smoother (with the amber 3 being more relaxed and the sw1x being slightly forward), have great synergy with the amp 13r and likely good synergy with the mogwai imo
lol no
7 Likes
Thinking back I recall it was in OS mode. Actually, thinking about it again, I recall he switched it to NOS mode later and then it sounded fine? I think? hmm. Unfortunately my friend sold it so I won’t be able to test that again.
I’ll keep an eye out for the Amber 3 and SW1X. In fact Capital Audio fest should probably have Lampizator. That should be fun.
3 Likes
Technically my Pi2AES is my DDC haha. But I did see Exogal Comet a while ago. I’m looking a little past that budget though.
2 Likes
They should, they had an excellent room with LTA, spatial audio, and anticables for the money last time I went
3 Likes
Found out the bricasti m3 is within the size range I would be ok with. Anyone have some general impressions of this dac? They seem to hold resale crazy well so I’m wondering if maybe its just pretty hyped up
Oh yeah that is smaller
It’s actually pretty good, but I agree it holds it’s value too well, given you can get a m1 used for less than an m5 used , and the m1 will just do better. But it’s got a similar slightly more forward signature than the m1, and is pretty technical without overstating. It’s a bit softer leaning overall but not enough to bother me personally
1 Like
Wow, yah. Tge m1 is litterakt cheaper used than tge m3. Shame its so much larger though 
The m1 has been out much longer though so that might be why, and there’s also different models of the m1, the cheaper ones are the first m1’s without anything on them (2/3-4k), the more expensive m1’s like the m1se or m1 with mdx or network boards or other upgrades (or m1 classic) go more around the 5-6k range, and the m1 gold more than that
1 Like
Well that wasn’t clear on their site at all. Ill have to look into that more. Are there also a rage of models for the m3?
Basically from what I know there’s the older m1, and the m1se, and now the classic, and the m1se and classic are somewhat similar, so only upgrades for older models
There’s one with and without a headphone amp, other than that I don’t think so (headphone amp ain’t bad for an all in one, although it won’t rival any high end desktop amp)
1 Like
Back to this one for a second. Exogal comit is in this size range. Would that be a step up from p6p? Or more of a side grade?
And ty for the info on the m3 and m1
1 Like
Step up, esp with a good streamer or ddc
2 Likes
When you say good would something as simple as a pu2aes be sufficient? Or even just a decent galvanic isolator/reclocker? I kind of need to stay using USB out of my computer if possible (so I dont just have exploding amounts of gear at work). Or woulr something like an SU2 be more of inline with your thoughts?